Star Journey: Destiny Returns

After leaving the Ancient Mist Bridge, Yunxuan and Yaoyue once again set out on the path guided by the star map. This time, the light on the star map led them to a vast, boundless desert. Known as the "Fire Sand Abyss," this place is perpetually scorched by the scorching sun, swirling yellow sand, and raging winds, making it virtually untouched. However, rumors circulate that deep within the desert's heart lies a unique fruit called the "Sand Abyss Fire Fruit." It not only possesses powerful fire-attributed spiritual power but also holds the power to awaken hidden potential, making it an extremely rare ancient delicacy.

"Although the Fire Sand Abyss is desolate, it is precisely because of this harsh environment that it can give birth to spiritual creatures like the Sand Abyss Fire Fruit." Yun Xuan said firmly, gazing at the guidance of the star map.

Yao Yue looked at the sea of ​​sand ahead with a hint of worry, and whispered, "This desert is full of uncertainty. The scorching sun and windy sand will take a heavy toll. To successfully cross it, we need to maintain abundant spiritual energy. We must proceed with caution."

Yunxuan nodded slightly, then took out a water bag and herbs to replenish spiritual power from his bag. After briefly discussing the strategy for crossing the desert with Yaoyue, the two began to head towards the center of the Sand Abyss.

The sun blazed down, its scorching rays mercilessly beating down on the sand. The air was thick with a scorching heat, making even breathing difficult. The yellow sand beneath their feet burned like a burning sea of ​​sand. Yunxuan and Yaoyue tried to slow down their pace to conserve their strength, sipping from their water pouches to prevent their rapid drain.

After walking for most of the day, they finally found a sheltered spot behind a sand dune. Several huge rocks stretched across the dune, creating a small patch of shade. Yaoyue sat in the shade, exhaled softly, and looked up at the glaring sun overhead. She sighed, "This desert not only tests our strength and willpower, but also constantly reminds us of the power of nature."

Yunxuan nodded and injected a small amount of spiritual energy into his body, keeping it flowing to deal with any possible danger. "Yes, in this world, our power is so small that it is almost insignificant." He looked up at the endless desert ahead, his eyes filled with determination. "But since the star map has led us here, we must complete this test."

Just as they were taking a short break, a sudden gust of wind swept in from the depths of the desert, carrying large swathes of yellow sand, and rushed towards them like a moving wall of sand. Seeing this, Yao Yue quickly stood up, concentrated her spiritual power in her hands, and prepared to withstand the sudden wind and sand.

"It's a sandstorm! Find some shelter!" Yunxuan shouted. He quickly grabbed Yaoyue's hand and ran with her to the depression behind the rocks. They huddled behind the rocks, shielding their faces from the sand and preventing it from reaching their eyes and ears. They were secretly grateful to have found this temporary shelter.

The sandstorm lasted for a long time. Yunxuan and Yaoyue waited quietly in the strong wind and sand until the wind died down slightly. Then they slowly poked their heads out. The scene before them was blurry. Yellow sand covered everything around them, making them feel as if they were in a boundless sea of ​​sand.

The sandstorm gradually dissipated, and the two men gathered their clothes and headed once more into the depths of the abyss. However, the sandstorm brought more than just wind and sand; it also presented a host of unknown dangers. As they went deeper, the sand beneath their feet began to soften, and a faint warmth seemed to permeate the air around them, as if some power beneath the earth was stirring.

Yao Yue was keenly aware of the abnormality in the aura and whispered, "Be careful, there seems to be movement under the sand."

Before he finished speaking, the sand beneath his feet suddenly surged, and a massive sand python burst out from the ground. Its scaly mouth opened, revealing sharp fangs, and it lunged straight at the two of them! Yun Xuan quickly drew his sword, and spiritual power instantly infused the blade. A sharp sword energy slashed at the sand python, forcing its attack back.

"Such a ferocious beast is hidden in this desert. It seems that this trial is much more difficult than we imagined." Yun Xuan said calmly, his eyes fixed on the sand python.

Yao Yue stood with a blade in hand, a cold light flashing in the silver blade, and quickly entered combat mode. "We must fight quickly and decisively. We can't waste too much spiritual energy here."

The sand python, sensing the threat, swung its body abruptly, stirring up a cloud of sand and dust that obscured their vision. Yunxuan and Yaoyue quickly separated, searching for an opportunity to strike back. Yaoyue, nimble and swift as a gust of wind, circled behind the sand python, her silver blade piercing its flank with a sharp, cold gleam. The sand python roared in pain, twisting its body violently in an attempt to break free.

Yunxuan seized the moment the sand python was struck, gathering all his spiritual energy into the blade. With a single swing of his sword, the sword's light descended like thunder, precisely slicing at the sand python's head. The sand python let out a shrill wail, its massive body collapsing onto the sand, quickly buried beneath the yellow sand as if it had never appeared.

Yunxuan and Yaoyue took a moment to adjust and calm their breath. Yaoyue sighed softly, "In this desert, every step is a challenge to survival."

Yun Xuan smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with determination. "This is the test of the Star Map. Only after going through numerous tests can we find the true essence."

After this fierce battle, the two rested briefly before continuing on their journey. Finally, after passing through patches of yellow sand and scorching air currents, they arrived at a dry hollow deep in the desert. In the center of the hollow grew a translucent, fiery red plant—the Sand Abyss Fire Fruit.

The fire fruit was a fiery red, its surface faintly glowing, and a rich fire aura emanated from it, as if all the fire-attributed spiritual energy of the entire world had been concentrated there. Yao Yue exclaimed in amazement, "This is the Shayuan Fire Fruit. The concentration of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is truly extraordinary."

Yunxuan slowly stepped forward and cautiously reached out to pick the fire fruit. However, just as he was about to touch the fire fruit, a flame-like light suddenly flickered in the air around the fruit. A layer of spiritual power barrier blocked the outer layer of the fire fruit, as if protecting its sacredness.

Yun Xuan quickly withdrew his hand and said thoughtfully, "This fire fruit is not only delicious, but also has the power of self-preservation. It seems that we still have to go through the final test."

The two of them sat cross-legged, adjusted their breathing, and began to quietly sense the spiritual energy fluctuations around the fire fruit. The barrier around the fire fruit exuded a scorching aura, like a blazing flame. Anyone who tried to pick it by force would be burned by its scorching power.

Yao Yue whispered, "This barrier seems to be testing our ability to control fire-attributed spiritual power. We must clear our minds and resonate with the power of the fire fruit through our spiritual power."

Yunxuan nodded, closed his eyes, and slowly released his spiritual power, contacting the spiritual barrier surrounding the fire fruit. He felt a scorching energy passing through his spiritual power into his body. This feeling was both warm and burning, as if it was incinerating all the impurities in his body.

Yaoyue also felt this scorching power and worked hard to adjust the flow of her spiritual energy, merging herself with the fire fruit's aura. The two gradually found a rhythm, continuously fusing their spiritual energy with the fire fruit's barrier until the barrier began to soften and slowly dissipate into the air.

Finally, Yunxuan reached out and successfully plucked the Sand Abyss Fire Fruit. The fruit exuded a strong fire aura, full of vitality and power.

Yao Yue's eyes were filled with relief as she whispered, "We finally obtained the Sand Abyss Fire Fruit. This journey guided by the star map has once again put us through a test of both our mental and physical strength."

Yunxuan carefully placed the fire fruit into the spirit box and smiled, "Yes, the star map is not just a map, it is also a mentor that guides our spiritual growth. Every harvest is a breakthrough for our inner self."

They gathered the fire fruit and, filled with awe and gratitude, set out on their journey home. The star map flickered again in their hands, as if revealing the secrets of their next journey.